FCP 5 upgrade to universal binary

Question

FCP 5 upgrade to universal binary

Hi
I could buy FCP 5 for a very reasonable price, which I'd want to install on an intel mac. However, the stand alone version of FCP 5 is not universal binary i.e. will run slower on an intel mac. Is there a way of updating FCP 5 to a universal binary version without having to buy FCP Studio 2 (which contains a universal binary version of FCP 5). What I basically need to know: will I be able to upgrade to a universal binary via OSX's software updater once I've installed FCP5. Technically this should be possible as a universal binary version of FCP exists as part of FCP Studio2 and Apple wouldn't be so unfair as to withhold it from users in need of it, now would they?

Any information is greatly appreciated

Chris

TiBook 867/ iMac intel 2.1, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on May 5, 2009 12:45 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Shane Ross

Level 8

43,110 points

May 5, 2009 12:57 PM in response to Community User

Is there a way of updating FCP 5 to a universal binary version without having to buy FCP Studio 2...?

Nope. Sorry, the only version Apple sells is FCS 2.

will I be able to upgrade to a universal binary via OSX's software updater once I've installed FCP5.

Nope. That option was never on the table. The upgrade to the Universal Binary, FCP 5.1...was where we had to send in our old Studio 1 disks, pay $50, and then await the new 5.1 disks. That offer was open for over a year and is now no longer available.

Technically this should be possible as a universal binary version of FCP exists as part of FCP Studio2 and Apple wouldn't be so unfair as to withhold it from users in need of it, now would they?

No...it isn't a matter of fairness. FCP 5.1 was sold over 2-3 years ago. That was the first universal version. That is now way outdated and no longer for sale by Apple. FCS 2 with FCP 6 is the only one for sale.

Avid doesn't sell Avid 2.8 anymore...only Avid 3.5

Adobe doesn't sell CS3 anymore...only CS4.

This is the way things are done.

Shane

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Answer 2

Nick Holmes

Level 7

30,018 points

May 5, 2009 1:01 PM in response to Community User

You would have to find a copy of Final Cut Studio 1.1 -it contains a copy of Final Cut Pro 5.1 which is universal. Apple no longer sell this, try eBay or similar.

Final Cut Pro 5.0 is not compatible with an Intel Mac.

You dont need to install it and should not anyway. The FCS 1.1 installer will prompt you for its serial number and if it is an upgrade version then prompt for the serial number of the full commercial version, whether it is 5.0 or something else. All the files on the upgrade are included for a complete installation.

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Answer 3

May 5, 2009 2:21 PM in response to Community User

Just as I suspected (in my heart of hearts anyway). You've both been of great help, thanks a lot. Apple is selling upgrades from FCP5 to FCS 2 for 999 swiss francs, so as long as I can buy a copy of FCP for less than 800.- swiss francs (full version of FCS 2 sells for 1800.- sFr) i am making a bargain - well, kind of.

Thanks again

Chris

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Answer 4

May 5, 2009 2:22 PM in response to Community User

Just as I suspected (in my heart of hearts anyway). You've both been of great help, thanks a lot. Apple is selling upgrades from FCP5 to FCS 2 for 999 swiss francs, so as long as I can buy a copy of FCP for less than 800.- swiss francs (full version of FCS 2 sells for 1800.- sFr) i am making a bargain - well, kind of.

Thanks again

Chris

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Answer 5

May 5, 2009 2:25 PM in response to Community User

Just as I suspected (in my heart of hearts anyway). You've both been of great help, thanks a lot. Apple is selling upgrades from FCP5 to FCS 2 for 999 swiss francs, so as long as I can buy a copy of FCP for less than 800.- swiss francs (full version of FCS 2 sells for 1800.- sFr) i am making a bargain - well, kind of.

Thanks again

Chris

Reply